Local news

Starter for five – agency takes on apprentices

A Wharfe Valley residential sales and lettings agency is saying “You’re hired!” to its inaugural intake of apprentices.

Linley & Simpson, which has offices in Brook Street, Ilkley, and Station Road, Horsforth, is to recruit five new starters with the aim of equipping them with all the skills and knowledge required to pursue a successful career in the industry.

They will spend a year at the award-winning company gaining a first-hand insight into the profession while studying for a NVQ level two in either estate agency or letting agency.

“This is one of a number of ways in which we are investing in the future,” said HR and training manager, Paula Ingham.

“We want to support the pool of young talent that exists across Yorkshire – and train, mentor and mould them into become the letting or estate agents of tomorrow.

“Promoting the value of apprenticeships in this way adds an extra dimension to our recruitment programme and if this pilot is successful, we will repeat it.”

She added: “They will receive hands-on experience of either the sales or rental side of our business, hopefully with a qualification to their name at the end of it. And nothing would give us greater pleasure than to retain them, and their newly-developed skills, within Linley & Simpson.”

The independent agency, which employs more than 130 people, has an expanding network of ten offices across Yorkshire.

It first launched as a dedicated letting agent 16 years ago and made the “natural progression” of extending its expertise into the sales market two months ago.

Apprenticeships are designed to open up a new range of career opportunities and college leavers aged under 23 without a degree.

Paula said that prior customer service or sales expertise would strengthen applicants’ CVs as the search for the five successful apprentices gets underway.

Interested candidates are encouraged to make their application to recruitment@linleyand simpson.co.uk.